Do you miss hugging your friends? It still feels strange to meet up with people that I love and not being able to get close or touch them.
But then we have found alternative ways to show our love during these times of pandemic and social distancing.
#WATWB Hugging and the Need for Touch
Hugging and the Need for Touch
I still receive lots of hugs from my children, but itās not the same as a hug from my friends. I miss having a hug from my mum. I miss seeing my mum right now, since my county has moved into the āHigh Riskā Tier 2 category in England. Mum lives in a āMedium Riskā Tier 1 area just thirty miles away, but Iām not allowed into her house now. We make do with lots of phone calls and we send random Whatās App messages with jokes, funny photos, and updates from our daily life, which eases the pain of absence. And I appreciate that some of my friends are missing their parents having lost them either to Covid or other illness.
One method I use at home when alone is my reiki self-healing. Since joining The Reiki Association as a Reiki Master I have worked in distance healing circles with established members of the community, and it feels amazing. Another helpful tool for me is my Naipo massage cushion. I have two of these cushions, gifted to me at different times from Naipo in return for product reviews. One is a throw pillow that you charge up and can use on the sofa or on your favourite chair. This is a good one in the evenings when I am relaxing in front of the TV. My other massage cushion is more structured and can only be used when plugged in to an electrical socket. I use this one at my worktable while Iām using the computer. It helps improve my posture, it warms my body, and it feels wonderful.
We don’t need human touch
And, finally, we donāt always need human touch. Who has a dog or cat at home? I am so thankful to have had my dog, Marley during lockdown. He had only been with us for a couple of months and was still settling in, but one thing Marley loves is cuddles. He buries his face in the crook of my arm, lies across my knee, and we snuggle for ages. The sound of his gentle breathing calms me and I remember that the pandemic wonāt last forever. We will hug each other again, one day. Until then, keep smiling and stay safe.
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Everyone loves a good ghost story, and since Halloween is around the corner, now is the perfect time to talk about all things spooky and otherworldly. Fortunately, the world is never short of a ghost story, and every country and culture has some site or location that its people believe to be haunted. Research shows that the United States is the top scariest country globally with more reports of ghosts and UFO sightings than any other country.
If you are a thrill seeker and are looking for a new adventure, why not visit some of the spookiest destinations around the world? Even if you are not a fan of the paranormal, you can learn more fascinating stories and see beautiful locations. To help you prepare for your next ghostly adventure, here are some haunted locations to consider visiting.
Ghost Hunter Diaries A Haunted House in North Wales
5 Haunted Locations Around the World You Have to Visit
Eastern State Penitentiary, Philadelphia, United States
The Eastern State Penitentiary was constructed in 1829 and closely resembled a castle. The prison practised an extreme form of solitary confinement; prisoners did every single activity alone: they ate alone and worked out by themselves. In cases where inmates had to leave their cells, guards covered their heads with hoods to ensure that they would not see or be seen by other prisoners. Although the state prison shut down in 1971, its 191-year old history is filled with stories of torture, suicide, madness, and murder. Thus, it is very easy to imagine that people who died there have become troubled souls that roam the abandoned location’s hallways.
Several staff members that worked there reported paranormal incidents and haunted stories they witnessed. For example, they noticed the echoing voices in Block 12 and saw visions of ghostly faces in Block 4. Today, the prison serves as a site that welcomes visitors to participate in its Halloween tour and check out the museum.
Château de Brissac, Brissac-Quince, France
The Chateau de Brissac is one of the tallest castles in France with an impressive seven-stories. But even more unique, and a tad bit spooky, is that it is home to the “La Dame Verte” or “The Green Lady,” also known as Charlotte of France. Her husband murdered Charlotte after he discovered her affair (he killed her while she wore a green dress, hence her name). Many people have reported spotting The Green Lady roaming in the tower room and moaning in the wee hours of the morning.
Castle of Good Hope, Cape Town, South Africa
Built in the 17th century, The Castle of Good Hope is one of Cape Town’s oldest buildings. People believe that many ghosts still reside in the trading fort, and there have been multiple sightings of Lady Anne Barnard, the first lady of the then colony. There are other stories of a soldier who hung himself in the bell tower, noted for ringing by itself. There have also been numerous sightings of a black dog that approaches visitors before disappearing. Today, many workers at the castle still report paranormal incidents. Guards prefer to walk around the castle at night instead of passing through the main grounds for fear of meeting ghosts.
Swissotel The Stamford, Singapore
The Swissotel stands tall with 73 floors, and if you are looking for an unusual paranormal encounter, it might be the right place for you to visit. Several Trip Advisor reviewers report occurrences like strange noises, knocks on the door that revealed no visitors, and furniture moving independently.
It is believed that the hotel was built on execution grounds occupied by the Japanese Army during the Second World War. Most of the haunted happenings tend to occur on the 59th and 60th floors. If you are looking for an encounter with ghosts during your vacation in Singapore, the Swissotel is the best place to book your room. If not, there are many other private accommodations in Singapore rent room at affordable rates. That way, you can choose to visit the hotel and learn its history before heading back to the comfort of your room.
Larnach Castle, New Zealand
Larnach Castle was built in the late 19th century by a prominent politician named William Larnach. It is best known for its 3,000-square foot ballroom, which Larnach gifted to his daughter on her 21st birthday. Unfortunately, she died some years later on her 26th birthday. Larnach’s daughter is said to haunt the ballroom to date, with visitors reporting a sense of being watched or feeling an unseen presence tap their shoulders. It is worth a visit if you are looking for a spooky thrill.
Ghost hunting is an exciting activity
Ghost hunting and learning about the paranormal is an exciting activity that you can add to your list of world travel destinations. Not only do you have the chance to see something otherworldly, but also learn about other cultures and histories. Before you set out, though, ensure that you are well-versed on the current travel restrictions.
Note: This is a collaborative article and may contain affiliate links, meaning that if you shop using the links I share, I receive a small income at no extra cost to yourself. Thank you for supporting SpookyMrsGreen!
Here are 5 simple self-care routines that you can practice at home to ensure good mental health and improve gut health:
5 Simple Self-Care Routines
5 Simple Self-Care Routines for Gut Health and improved Mental Health
1. Drink water
This is such a simple practice and yet one that so many people overlook when they feel unwell. Water is freely available in the Western world, and yet we seem to favour hot drinks and fizzy pop. Try to drink a glass of water with your meals or balance your coffee intake with water throughout the day.
2,Deep breathing exercise
Stop what you are doing. Put down your phone or tablet. Close your eyes. Breathe in deeply, bringing the breath from as low down in your body as you can. Hold for a few seconds. And release. Repeat this a few times until you feel your body begin to relax. Your heart rate will slow down, your mind will slow down, and you will feel better.
3, Dry Bathing
This is an exercise I use as part of my reiki self-healing practice. When you close your eyes and take a deep breath, place your right hand on your left shoulder. As you breathe out, sweep your hand down your arm, and imagine you are brushing away the negative energy. Take another deep breath, place your left hand on your right shoulder, sweep your hand down your arm, and imagine you are brushing away the negative energy. Finally, take another deep breath, place your right hand on your left shoulder, and as you breathe out, sweep across your body with the same intention of clearing negativity.
4,Sleep Better
Many people struggle to sleep well. Try listening to soothing music as you fall asleep, perhaps a meditation playlist or relaxing sounds. I find our Alexa Echo Dot device very helpful when Iām struggling. Avoid eating and drinking unhealthy foods close to bedtime. Try to drink water at least an hour before you go to bed so that you can clear the toxins (make sure you go to the toilet!)
5,Eat more Mindfully
Be aware of the food you consume. I notice that when I eat more stodgy food such as bread and pasta it affects my bowel movements and leaves me feeling bloated and uncomfortable. It helps if you can balance your meals with lighter foods, more vegetables and fruit for nutrients, and try to eat less processed meals if possible. Balance and moderation are key here.
Tell me if you find these practices helpful and share your tips in the comments.
Koso Med Super Bio Slender Daily Detox to aid your digestion
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Hello Autumn! I love this time of year. Maybe it is because my Dry Eye Syndrome seems to improve, and the pain recedes ever so slightly before we hit the cold depths of winter. Maybe I just feel more productive because I prefer shorter days and longer nights. Sunlight can be too powerful for my sensitive eyes, and sometimes I even struggle on a cloudy day when the white light is too intense.
Here is my take on the Chronic Voice link-up prompts:
Why Autumn is my best time of Year
Chronic Voice Link-Up: Why Autumn is my Best Time of Year
Producing
Autumn is my most productive time of year, and this time I am producing early results for my brand-new business, Goldstone Reiki. I set up a website and social media pages at the end of September, and I am already booking in clients, practicing reiki healing treatments, and continuing my professional development.
Acquiring
In order to set up my new business I had to acquire better skills in the boring side of business: planning, administration, and cash flow forecast. Having always shied away from anything involving numbers and maths, this has proved quite a positive experience for me as I acquired new-found self confidence in my ability to crunch numbers and develop a sound business idea.
Switching
My mind is busy switching from one business to another as I continue to run my SpookyMrsGreen blog while simultaneously working on Goldstone Reiki. Sometimes it feels overwhelming but mostly I am happy to switch between two jobs that I find satisfying and rewarding. I am lucky to be here, and grateful for all my experiences.
Disappointing
I couldnāt find much to be disappointed about recently, although I am anxiously waiting to see if my planned family holiday in Wales will go ahead at half-term⦠no more lockdowns, please! I did finish reading Invisible Women by Caroline Criado-Perez and found it disappointing. Itās a book I had wanted to read for some time, but when I finally gave it my attention, I found the content dry and decidedly depressing. It didnāt tell me anything I didnāt already know, apart from presenting long paragraphs of facts and figures that were quite difficult to read and make sense of. Not a book I would recommend, unfortunately.
Forming
I joined The Reiki Association as part of my continued professional development, and during the past few weeks I have joined in with some group reiki energy shares and meditations. I look forward to forming new friendships and meeting a whole new network of practitioners and spiritual people that could widen my perspectives and help me grow into a new phase of life.
Chronic Voice Link-Up
I joined the social network for A Chronic Voice because I needed to find people who understand what life is like with chronic illness, people like me. Today I have written a post using the October link-up prompts, to show my experience of living with a chronic pain disorder. Click here to find other blog posts from fellow chronic pain sufferers, or #spoonies as we call ourselves online.
LGBT werewolf fantasy story “It’s Complicated (The Redcliffe Novels)” by Catherine Green
Did you enjoy this article? Download your FREE copy of LGBT fantasy short story Itās Complicated (The Redcliffe Novels) and meet the werewolves of Cornwall, England.Ā Ā Click here.Ā
It seems reading has become even more popular during recent times and with books flying off the virtual shelf at Waterstones there seems to be no slowing down.
As we get ready for the popular festive season Waterstones welcomes hundreds of new big title books in from Robert Harris, Captain Tom, Jacqueline Wilson and many more.
You can still get Up to Half Price Books and Free Delivery on orders over £20.
And for those extra special gifts, look for the limited edition and signed editions on Waterstones with signed editions from Gareth Southgate, Catlin Moran and Will Young to name a few ā Click here.
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Your home is your pride and joy, but it could now also be your central point of work for your business, or because you are now working from home. If youāre now working from home, you may be in it for the long-term as things with coronavirus certainly arenāt dying down.
As we get used to the new normal, itās time to think about creating the perfect home office space to enjoy and keep you productive.Ā
When choosing where to set up your home office, you need to think about the traffic running through your home and the noise levels from both indoors and outdoors. You have to think about noise that you may hear from the street and also any noise you may hear indoors from things such as the kids having the TV on. If you place it near the kitchen, family room, or bathroom, then you may end up with a lot of distractions. If you donāt have space in your home for the perfect office location it may be worth working with architects to design an extension or replan of the layout on your home. However, if you have small children, it might be ideal to have your office near the playroom so you can keep your eye on them better.
Keep Things Simple
Although you may feel as you want to go mad with decorating, creating your space, and adding in loads of stationary, however, itās best to keep it simple. Keep the walls neutral and add some pictures, you need it to not be a distracting area. You should also try to keep your desk clean with as little clutter as possible. If you need a lot of stationary or supplies, it may be worth getting a desk tidy and some under-desk storage.
Blend It InĀ
Your home office should ideally be somewhere that easily blends with the rest of your home. If your office is visible from other areas of your home, think about how it blends. The style and colours should ideally be complementary and not clash. If your office space is sitting in your dining room or living room, for example, try to have the desk match the other furniture in the room, and keep the area clean and tidy, in similar colours to the room itās situated.Ā
Let In The LightĀ
There have been studies that show that when people work in natural light they absorb more vitamin D, sleep better, are more productive, and have fewer eye problems. Light can boost your mood and keep you away from stress and anxiety too. Not to mention, if you make sure there is plenty of natural light in your office, there will be less need for you to have the lights on, thus, reducing your electricity bill.Ā
These are four great ways to create the perfect office space in your home for you to enjoy your working from home experience. Id there anything that you have done to your working space to make it perfect for your home? Please share them in the comments below.
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Note: This is a collaborative article and may contain affiliate links, meaning that if you shop using the links I share, I receive a small income at no extra cost to yourself. Thank you for supporting SpookyMrsGreen!
Have you experienced Reiki healing energy? Do you work with energy in other forms, such as meditation, martial arts, yoga or similar? How does it feel for you?
I have been practising Reiki healing meditation for four years and it has transformed me in ways that I cannot properly explain. Outwardly I am the same person. I look the same. I live the same, quiet life. I am an average woman approaching middle age. But internally there have been massive changes, most notably in my response to the world and the situations I experience.
How Reiki Changed Me @GoldstoneReiki
How Reiki has Changed Me
During my teens and twenties I suffered with anxiety. Back then it wasnāt recognised as a formal illness and I never understood why I got so worked up about simple activities. I remember my dad once asking me to telephone for a pizza takeaway and I really didnāt want to do it. Talk to a stranger on the phone?! How could I?!! This was the landline, by the way, before we had mobile phones. My heart was pounding, my palms were sweaty, I wanted to burst into tears. I think I was sixteen at the time. Then I learned to drive, and before I got in my car to travel anywhere, even just across town, I had to talk myself down from panic and stress responses. I had no idea what these feelings were, and I thought I was being weak, so I never told anyone how I felt. I basically told myself not to be weak, and I powered through.
Many years later, after the digital revolution and while I was at home nursing my babies, I began to learn more about myself and these strange, intrusive feelings. People began to talk about mental illness in the public sphere, and I began to learn about my husband and other family members who suffered with mental illness. I began to separate out my responses to situations and recognise when I needed to resolve them. And then I discovered Reiki healing therapy.
Reiki takes time and effort
Reiki is a process that takes time and effort. In the beginning I avoided my reiki teacher, never committing to a class because I didnāt have time; I had my children to look after, my house to deal with, my business to build. When could I possibly sit still and meditate? With some gentle persuasion, I signed up for my first reiki course. And that was it. From that moment on, my life began to improve dramatically. The people around me didnāt change. I changed. I have become better able to control my moods (although I do still snap on a regular basis ā classic redhead syndrome), I sleep soundly at night, I listen to my body when it tells me to rest or to eat more healthy, or stop a particularly disruptive habit. I donāt take on other peopleās problems personally. I am here to support and listen, and I will offer guidance and advice if asked, but it is not my job to fix people or their lives.
We must take responsibility for ourselves. That is the biggest lesson that Reiki has taught me, and one that I am incredibly grateful to have received.
Reiki for Parents: naturally support your childrenās health and wellbeing at home.
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At English Heritage Shop, we have a range of jewellery that has been inspired by our historic sites.
These unique pieces of jewellery make perfect gifts for friends and loved ones.
#FreeforallFriday Jewellery Gifts at English Heritage Shop
Jewellery Inspired by History
London Bus Necklace – Tatty Devine: Wear an iconic piece of English history with this red bus necklace by British designer Tatty Devine. Our Price Ā£35.00 ā Click here.
Stonehenge Bluestone Bangle: Wear a piece of Stonehenge with this Bluestone Bangle. Bluestone makes up the smaller stones inside the famous stone circle and can be found only in Pembrokeshire’s Preseli Hills. Our Price Ā£275.00 ā Click here.
Whitby Abbey Silhouette Necklace: Take home a piece of history with this Whitby Abbey Silhouette Necklace. Our Price Ā£65.00 ā Click here.
Stonehenge Sarsen Stone Trilithon Earrings: Sarsen stone has been sourced from around Stonehenge to create these beautiful Stonehenge Sarsen Stone Trilithon Earrings. Our Price Ā£85.00 ā Click here.
Oak Tree Necklace: A necklace fit for a lover of all things nature. This necklace features a highly detailed engraving of a very impressive oak tree. Our Price Ā£30.00 ā Click here.
Vampire Fangs Brooch – Tatty Devine: Channel your inner vampire with this Vampire Fangs Brooch by British designers, Tatty Devine. Our Price Ā£35.00 ā Click here.
Silver- and Gold-Plated Bee Stud Earrings: Celebrate one of natureās most amazing creatures with these Silver- and Gold-Plated Bee Stud Earrings. Our Price Ā£40.00 ā Click here.
Stonehenge Amber Gold-Plated Pendant: This genuine amber necklace has been hand cast and is 22ct gold plated. and is stamped with a Stonehenge design tag. Our Price Ā£125.00 ā Click here.
Stonehenge Round Circle Bracelet: Tell someone you love them with this Stonehenge Round Circle Bracelet. It features two interlocking circles with a highly detailed depiction of the famous trilithon stones. Our Price Ā£50.00 ā Click here.
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A healthy lifestyle includes all the ingredients of a healthy lifestyle. According to research, in order to maintain a healthy way of life, you must take action. Incorporate the right foods, exercise, adequate sleep and generally healthy habits into your daily routine on a consistent basis.
It does not make sense to eat a healthy meal every now and then and for the rest of the day to eat frozen and processed foods. You should almost always eat carefully selected foods. Yes, over and over again we have all enjoyed ice cream or pizza and that is not a bad thing but it isnāt sustainable for our bodies.Ā
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The motto is: “Eat to live and do not live to eat”
In addition to healthy foods, your body also craves exercise. Designed to work out and move on a regular basis. All the joints in your body, your knees, your elbows and your hips are designed to move in some way. By pushing and stretching all these joints, your body will be kept in good condition and if your exercise becomes a frequent habit, you will remain healthy for the rest of your life, especially if you manage to maintain your weight at normal levels. You should regularly check your BMI to ensure that it is within the healthy range.
Balance and measure
A balanced diet means eating enough but not too much of all the nutrients. If the portions are reasonable, there is no reason to limit your favorite foods. There are no “good” and “bad” foods, only good and bad diets. All foods fit into a healthy lifestyle as long as you maintain balance and moderation. Moderate amounts of all foods can ensure that energy intake remains under control and that no food or food ingredient is consumed in excessive amounts. If you choose a high fat snack in fat, choose a food with less fat for your next meal. Examples of reasonable portions are 75 -100 g (the size of a palm) of meat, a medium-sized fruit, ½ a cup of raw pasta or a scoop of ice cream (50g). Ready-made meals are a good way to check portion size and usually indicate their energy value on the packaging.
Do not forget fruits and vegetables
Many do not follow the recommendations for eating at least 5 servings of fruits and vegetables a day. Many studies have shown an association between the intake of these foods and a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease and certain types of cancer. Increased fruit and vegetable intake has also been associated with lower blood pressure. People can supplement their diet with fruits and vegetables as they are good sources of nutrients and the majority of them are low in calories and fat. Nutritionists pay special attention to fruits and vegetables, as these are “packages” of nutrients that positively affect human health. The “antioxidant case” has focused much of its attention on the micronutrients of fruits and vegetables, such as vitamins C and E, as well as many other natural protective substances. Carotenoids (B-carotene, lutein and lycopene), flavonoids (phenolic compounds found in abundance in common vegetables and fruits, such as apples and onions, and plant-based beverages such as tea, cocoa and red wine ) and phytoestrogens (mainly isoflavones and lignins), seem to play a beneficial role in health.
Balance your salt intake
The salt (NaCl) consists of sodium and chlorine. Sodium is a nutrient found naturally in many foods. Sodium and chlorine are important for the body to maintain its fluid balance and regulate blood pressure. For most people, excess sodium passes directly through the body. In some, however, it can raise blood pressure. Reducing the amount of salt in those who are sensitive to salt can reduce the risk of high blood pressure. The relationship between salt intake and blood pressure is not yet clear and people should seek the advice of their doctor.
This is a healthy lifestyle!
It is not a diet to lose weight, as summer comes. Yes, I know you want to look good in your shorts or swimsuit in the summer months, but it’s better to have a life goal. Maintain a flawless silhouette and build a strong, functional and balanced body and maintain it forever, not just for summer but for winter. That is probably one of the best things you can do. At the moment, we all need our immune systems in top condition! The biggest factor that will help you maintain this lifestyle is self-discipline. You have the discipline to eat the right foods, control portion sizes, follow an exercise program and keep going even when you do not feel like doing it. Routine is everything. The same way that you may have a routine with your medications. For example you may use dosette boxes to help you keep on top of your medications. You must do the same with your life. This means that you have to promote yourself and give yourself a clear path going forwards. This should be step by step and slowly every day. By doing this you will feel good, your self-esteem and self-image will improve, because you will know that you are one of the few people who has the self-discipline to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Maintaining a positive attitude is like taking multivitamins every day.
It is the best medicine to stay enthusiastic and will help you face the complexity of life. Surely, in many cases you have experienced some negative emotions that made you want to run away, get away from this unpleasant feeling of discouragement or that you are lost in the dark. But it is not worth it. Learn to wake up in the morning with a smile on your face and create a positive attitude that will fill you with optimism.
If you have children, enjoy them. Spend some time with your pets, family and friends and always wish them the best. Above all, never forget to love yourself for what you are. Confidence is essential for maintaining a young and healthy brain.
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Note: This is a collaborative article and may contain affiliate links, meaning that if you shop using the links I share, I receive a small income at no extra cost to yourself. Thank you for supporting SpookyMrsGreen!
We Are the World BlogFest (#WATWB) celebrates special people and small stories of inspiration and hope in the world. Letās face it, we need some inspiration and hope during this time of pandemic and social distancing.
#WATWB We are the World Blogfest
Why we Need to be back at School
This month I want to talk about school. My children returned to school following the UK lockdown, and after just two weeks their behaviour completely changed. They had not been noticeably depressed or unhappy during lockdown, but since school started back, they are bouncing around the house barely able to contain their excitement. Their dance class finally resumed last week and while there have been changes to make the environment Covid-safe, they are delighted to resume lessons and continue practicing for an upcoming dance show. I really hope it doesnāt get postponed againā¦
And itās not just my children that feel the benefit of being back at school. I have resumed my morning routine of walking the dog once I have done the school run. We can walk for about three miles, which I could never achieve with two grumpy children. The dog is happier and more settled, and I have more time in my day to work and complete tasks that are important for my personal wellbeing. We are so happy to be back at school, and we hope that the UK does not experience another full lockdown any time soon.
We are the World BlogFest (#WATWB) focuses on positive stories no matter where theyāre found. It is all about spreading peace and humanity on social media. All participants post on the last Friday of the month, sharing a positive news story that contributes to making our world a happier, safer, and better place to live.
LGBT werewolf fantasy story “It’s Complicated (The Redcliffe Novels)” by Catherine Green
Did you enjoy this article? Download your FREE copy of LGBT fantasy short story Itās Complicated (The Redcliffe Novels) and meet the werewolves of Cornwall, England.Ā Ā Click here.Ā